Renovation projects planned at Lake Cumberland State Park

Four Kentucky State Park resorts in south-central Kentucky will receive an estimated $4.9 million in safety and aesthetic improvements over the next two years, officials announced Wednesday.

The funding comes from $18 million approved this year by Gov. Matt Bevin and the General Assembly. The improvements include structural repairs, painting and interior and exterior upgrades. Work for the “Refreshing the Finest” campaign will be carried out in 2016 and 2017.

“The Kentucky State Parks have an annual economic impact of $889 million and are an important part of our state’s tourism economy,” said Regina Stivers, deputy secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. “This $18 million for the parks will be used for much-needed repairs and safety upgrades.”

Examples of the planned improvements include sidewalk repairs and painting at Lake Cumberland; new dining room finishes and painting at Dale Hollow; electrical repairs and painting at Barren River; and conference center painting and repairs at Rough River Dam.

Much of the work that’s currently underway is being carried out by Kentucky State Park crews, Parks Commissioner Donnie Holland said. Other projects at the 17 resort parks will have to be put out for bid.

“This funding will help the Kentucky State Parks start addressing some of the needs that have occurred over several years,” Holland said. “This money doesn’t cover everything we need to repair, but it’s a start.”

Sidewalk work at Lake Cumberland has already been started. Other work has been started at Rough River Dam, Kenlake, Pennyrile Forest and Carter Caves state resort parks.

Stivers and Holland announced details of some of the projects at the four parks during an appearance at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park near Jamestown.